In 2008, CCCHFA launched the Cape Cod Fisheries Trust to respond to mounting threats to fish populations, fishermen and their communities.

The mission of the Trust is to protect depleted fisheries resources, reinvigorate fishing businesses and revitalize coastal fishing communities on Cape Cod. The Trust is buying groundfish and scallop permits and leasing them to qualifying Cape Cod fishermen. The Trust delivers a win-win-win for fishermen, community and the environment by offering financial incentives to fishermen that are willing to adopt legally binding leasehold covenants that end overfishing, limit habitat impacts and minimize bycatch. The Trust is owned by CCCHFA and is managed by the Community Development Partnership, a local community development corporation. The Conservation Law Foundation Ventures and Environmental Defense Fund will assist with program development and oversight.

Donate online

Please specify "Cape Cod Fisheries Trust" in the "instructions to merchant" section of the online form.

Thank you for supporting the Cape Cod Fisheries Trust!

The Trust was made possible by generous support from the following:

Operating Grant Support
• The Ford Foundation
• The Surdna Foundation
• Cape Cod Economic Development Council
• Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust
• The J.M. Kaplan Fund
• The Oak Foundation

Capital Support
• Jane’s Trust
• Cape Cod Five Foundation
• The Dreyfus Foundation
• Numerous Individuals

Accomplishments

Bought 45,000 pounds of scallop quota and 6 groundfish permits for $1 million.
Finalized a $1 million Program Related Investment loan proposal that was approved by the Ford Foundation in September.
Helped three local scallop businesses stay afloat by providing assistance to secure needed scallop quota.
Helped local groundfishermen through leasing days-at-sea at affordable rates.